Troy Buck is joined by another giant in Arkansas Future Farmers of America and agriculture education in retirement this year with a combined 108 years in agricultural education.
Buck recently retired from Centerpoint High School after a 55-year career. Arkansas FFA members honored him by dedicating the state convention in his honor.
Buck is credited for launching and managing the school's meat production program. Students take part in the butchery process. Proceeds pay for all of the school's state and local FFA fees, as well as some FFA jackets for students.
Many of the students who participate in the meat production program go on to work at local meat processing facilities.
"My mission is to get everyone out there with a good Christian family, making a living and paying my social security," Buck said, with a chuckle, in an interview in 2014.
Arkansas FFA Advisor Marion Fletcher, affectionately known as "The Wise Old Owl," has also decided to retire, marking an end to 53 years in agricultural education.
"I think I'm leaving it in good shape, at a good place, and I'm looking forward to it and offering some advice along the way," Fletcher said.
Arkansas FFA members -- past and present -- along with state and business leaders paid homage to Fletcher at the final ceremony of the organization's final session at the state convention.
"He's had such a long run and to witness it firsthand and to see the history of Mr. Fletcher, it's pretty emotional for me," said Mark Dement, a former Arkansas FFA officer. "No one will ever match his legacy or stay around as long as he has," he said.
Among those who spoke about Fletcher's influence included Rob Roedel, corporate communications director for Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas; state Sen. Bruce Maloch, D-District 12; Charisse Childers, director of the Arkansas Department of Career Education; and Steve Brown, National FFA advisor.
Two National FFA officers have come from Arkansas in the past two years. Victoria Maloch served as the 2014-15 National FFA secretary. Taylor McNeal is the current National FFA president. Both served as an Arkansas FFA president.
Much of Fletcher's career has been spent at Camp Couchdale, the Arkansas FFA campsite that has been a part of the organization since 1929. Camp Couchdale has welcomed thousands of Arkansas FFA members -- serving as the place to learn leadership skills and the latest trends in agriculture.
It is also his home. In retirement, Fletcher plans to remain there for some time and make sure it remains a gem in the annals of Arkansas FFA history.
"Somebody's got to know where everything is," Fletcher said. "A lot of young men and women come through this place and leadership is developed and it needs to continue on for another 100 years from now after I'm long gone."
School on 07/24/2016